What Is Dea-Myreth Sulfate?
Dea-Myreth Sulfate is a synthetic surfactant made by joining fatty alcohols derived from coconut or palm oil with ethylene oxide, then adding a sulfate group and neutralizing the blend with diethanolamine. The result is a water-soluble salt that carries both oil-loving and water-loving parts, allowing it to mix grime with water so it can be rinsed away. First introduced in personal care during the 1970s as an alternative to harsher sulfates, it quickly became popular in shampoos and body washes for the creamy lather it provides. Today manufacturers produce it in closed reactors where temperature and pressure are carefully controlled to ensure consistent chain length and purity before the final liquid or paste is shipped to formulators. You will most often spot it in shampoos, bubble baths, liquid hand soaps, facial cleansers and occasionally in exfoliating scrubs that need a stable foam.
Dea-Myreth Sulfate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient earns its spot on the label thanks to the following roles:
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature lifts dirt, excess oil and product buildup from skin or hair so they can be rinsed away easily. This leaves the surface feeling fresh without a heavy residue.
- Foaming: It produces a dense, cushiony lather that helps spread the product evenly and gives users the sensory cue that the cleanser is working, which can encourage thorough rinsing and improve overall satisfaction.
- Cleansing (support): When paired with other surfactants it boosts total cleaning power while helping to balance gentleness, making formulas suitable for daily use.
Who Can Use Dea-Myreth Sulfate
Most skin and hair types tolerate Dea-Myreth Sulfate well, including normal, oily and combination skin. People with very dry or highly sensitive skin might find it a little too cleansing if used in high amounts or left on the skin for long periods, so they may prefer a gentler surfactant blend. The ingredient is typically sourced from coconut or palm oil then fully synthesized in the lab, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians because no animal-derived materials are involved at any step.
Current safety data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in rinse-off products like shampoos or body washes. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should clear all skincare or personal care products with a doctor just to be safe.
Dea-Myreth Sulfate does not increase sun sensitivity and it will not interfere with sunscreen. It also plays well with most common skincare actives, so layering it with serums or conditioners after rinsing should not cause problems.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to the topical use of Dea-Myreth Sulfate can vary from person to person. The points below list potential issues only and most users will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Skin dryness
- Mild stinging or redness on very sensitive skin
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis marked by itching or small bumps
- Fading of artificial hair color over time due to its cleansing strength
If you experience any of the above effects stop using the product and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0–1. Dea-Myreth Sulfate is a water-soluble surfactant that stays on the surface of the skin only briefly in rinse-off products, so it does not have time to clog pores. Its molecular structure favors mixing with water rather than nestling into sebum-filled follicles, keeping the likelihood of comedones very low.
For acne-prone users this ingredient is generally considered suitable, provided the overall formula is gentle and thoroughly rinsed.
Because it is almost always used in wash-off formats, the risk of pore blockage is even lower than its chemical profile alone would suggest.
Summary
Dea-Myreth Sulfate acts primarily as a cleanser and foam booster. The dual oil-loving and water-loving parts of its molecule grab onto dirt and oil while bonding with water, allowing grime to rinse away and producing the creamy lather people associate with a thorough wash.
It enjoyed wide popularity from the late 1970s through the early 2000s in shampoos, body washes and bubble baths. While newer sulfate-free trends have nudged some brands toward alternative surfactants, it still appears in many mainstream rinse-off formulas thanks to its reliable performance and cost-effectiveness.
Current research and cosmetic safety assessments rate Dea-Myreth Sulfate as safe when used as directed, with irritation risks comparable to other mid-range surfactants. As with any new personal care product, it is wise to perform a quick patch test to see how your own skin responds before committing to full-size use.